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Anil Agarwal Urges Resource Self-Reliance To Reduce Import Dependence

2026-05-07

Vedanta Limited Chairman Anil Agarwal has called for a mission-driven national effort to accelerate exploration of minerals and hydrocarbons in India, highlighting the need to reduce the country’s dependence on imports and strengthen resource self-reliance.

In a LinkedIn post, Agarwal compared the opportunity in natural resources with India’s agricultural transformation during the Green Revolution. He said a similar “Jan Andolan” is required to unlock the country’s vast below-the-ground potential, supported by India’s rich geology, entrepreneurial ecosystem and young workforce.

Agarwal noted that nearly 50% of India’s imports are linked to below-the-ground resources, resulting in significant outflow of capital and job creation in overseas markets. He said increasing domestic exploration and production could boost employment, industrial growth and long-term economic resilience.

The Vedanta Chairman stressed the need for policy flexibility and innovation-led reforms to encourage wider participation from startups, private companies and industry players. He suggested that exploration should become a national priority and called for a more outcome-oriented approach focused on significantly increasing production.

Agarwal also advocated changes in mining policies, including moving beyond fixed-term mining leases and conventional auction-based systems. He stated that India should adopt globally competitive practices that support long-term resource development while maintaining strict environmental safeguards.

According to Agarwal, advanced technologies, a growing entrepreneurial base and supportive government policies place India in a strong position to rapidly scale exploration activities. He added that a focused push in mineral and hydrocarbon exploration could create substantial livelihood opportunities, particularly for young people, and contribute to transforming India’s economic landscape.

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